Meghan
We’ve all had moments where we open up our screen, click on the page to start typing out our content, and the cursor just keeps blinking as you struggle to find the words. Writing isn’t always easy, especially if you’re relatively new to the process. Thankfully, there are many awesome strategies available to help you produce efficient, high-quality content. Here’s how to create the perfect outline for a blog covering any topic.
What is a Blog Outline?
If you’ve ever created an outline for an academic paper, a blog post outline is very similar. However, your audience may vary depending on the topic of the blog. An outline can help you overcome writer’s block and get an idea of what kind of message you’d like to send to readers. It can also help you improve writing efficiency and consistently create fantastic content. An average blog post outline should include key points, headings, and reputable sources.
1. Select Your Writing Tool
No two writing tools are the same, so it’s important to find the one that works best for you. It should also be stated that certain platforms come with specific features unique to that particular writing tool. For example, Google Docs is great for blog writers since it already comes with a built-in document outline feature. Even so, outlining all of your information directly to WordPress may be more appealing to you. When it comes to your blogging style, select the writing tool that feels most comfortable for you.
2. Brainstorm Striking Topics
The first step to creating an outline is selecting a topic that sounds appealing to readers. For example, if you’re in charge of a book blog, writing a piece about trending novel titles may be intriguing to your audience. Feel free to make some Google searches and/or utilize topic generators to brainstorm fun ideas. Keep in mind that this is the topic of your blog, not its title. Your blog title can be created later or you can draft a working title for outlining purposes.
3. Write Down the Blog’s Main Idea
Once you’ve decided on your blog post’s topic, it’s time to figure out its central theme. Your topic will only give you a vague idea of what the content will include, but a main idea can help you compartmentalize your brainstorming and keep on writing. Take a moment to summarize the purpose of your blog post in one sentence. This can be within the outline itself, on a post-it note, or planner. Once you’ve summarized your blog post, construct the rest of your outline.
4. Explore Keywords for SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps your blog gain traction on sites like Google to expand your audience and share your content all over the world. For example, if you run a gardening blog and want to reach out to more people seeking advice on planting, consider using keywords like “landscaping,” or “horticulture.” Explore SEO generators or write down a list of potential keywords that may interest your readers.
5. Dig Around for Sources
Whether you’re an expert in your field or writing a blog outside of your skill levels, always include reputable sources in all of your posts. As a blog writer, avoiding plagiarism and misinformation is your responsibility. Even if it’s unintentional, unethical writing practices can have severe consequences on your reputation and/or company. To avoid making serious errors during the writing process, search for external research ahead of time and place them within your outline.
6. Construct Your Outline’s “Skeleton”
By the time you reach this portion of your outline, all you have to do is create your title, headings, and subheadings. Think of this as your outline’s skeleton: a very general idea of your blog post’s content that helps you understand what needs to go into each section. This is a great place to write very brief descriptions under each heading. You can also describe each heading with bullet points if that makes the process easier.
7. Separate Your Headings by Word Count
As you decide on your blog post’s headings and subheadings, make sure to keep the word count in mind. Labeling separate word counts for each heading can help you determine if your post may need more information or if you need to narrow it down a bit. To emphasize, a 400-word blog post isn’t going to require the same amount of information as a 2,000-word piece. Thus, outlining your word count can help you think creatively about what you can talk about and what may need to be generalized.
8. Start Writing!
At this point, your outline is completed and the opportunities awaiting your blog post are endless. You’ve accomplished the most challenging part of blogging: figuring out what you’re going to write about. Now, all you have to think about is getting the words on the page. Continue practicing your blogging skills with copywriting worksheets that get your creative juices flowing. Brew a warm drink of your choice, make yourself comfortable, and start writing your blog!
